Episode

Defection's Galore for Reform UK & Grok Unleashed - with Dr Rob Topinka

16 January 2026 · 52 min

Joining Carys this week is Dr Robert Topinka from Birkbeck University. Rob’s research is focused on digital culture, reactionary politics, race and racism. Among other things, he's an expert in what used to be known as the alt-right.

Together, Carys and Rob discuss X's AI bot 'Grok', Tory defections to Reform UK, Trump's slamming of civil rights, and the continued calamity that is the privatised water system of England & Wales.